La Rioja Wine Valley

La Rioja Wine Valley Bike Tour

A treasure trove of history and traditions, folklore and fiestas, sports and health resorts, there is much to see and do in La Rioja wine region of Spain.

It’s varying geographical features, mountainous in the Upper Rioja (Alta) and flat with almost Mediterranean climate in the Lower Rioja (Baja), lends itself to a multitude of outdoor activities, such as our biking tours. Of ultimate importance however, are the world-renowned wines and the culinary delights of the region. The cuisine of La Rioja is rich and abundant and like the region itself, has its own personality. We’ll visit its many wineries and sample the fine tintos, clarets and golden yellow blancos.

Itinerary

Day 1

We meet in Pamplona and shuttle to a charming village complete with a castle for a warm-up ride and gourmet lunch with a few stops for wine tasting after the ride. Fairytale castles and lush landscaping are your introduction to this wine region.

Day 2

We ride along gently rolling hills that ultimately take us to the city of Logroño, the capital of the Rioja region. Tonight we enjoy Tapas in the old town.

Day 3

We ride to the Monastery of San Millan de la Cogolla, the cradle of the first words written in Spanish. Set at the foot of the Sierra de la Demanda, the journey takes us through lush vineyards and picturesque valleys and villages.

Day 4

Today we ride to the capital of the famous Rioja Alta wines. Rolling hills with a patchwork of vineyards and high mountains in the background, add to the pleasure of this adventure. The hotel we stay in tonight is a converted monastery.

Day 5

When we arrive at Santo Domingo de la Calzada, a stop into the cathedral will leave you surprised and delighted to relive in this day and age, the legend of the Rooster and the Hen.

Day 6

The today ride will take us to Castile after crossing the legendary mountain pass of Montes de Oca where bandits and wolves made it the most dangerous journey of the Camino de Santiago. After a stop at the Monastery of San Juan de Ortega we will continue to Burgos formerly the capital of Castile and home of Spain’s favorite son El Cid.

Day 7

A trip to Burgos is not complete unless you take time out to visit the Cathedral. This morning we enjoy a guided visit to the Cathedral of Burgos, led by a prominent art historian. This evening we meet for our farewell celebration which will take place in a historical restaurant and raise a glass to us, to the Rioja and to a wonderful week on a Spain Adventure!

Day 8

Departures after breakfast.

2017 Dates

Sept 04-11 Wine Festivals (Actual dates to be determined)Oct 02-09 The Harvest (Actual Dates to be determined)8 days/7 nightsLevelEasy-Moderate-Challenging, we can accommodate all levels with this route. Daily ride 23-40 miles per day.